Muhammad Asghar Butt, Bushra Abdul Malik, Saifullah Sheikh.
Infections in pre-term babies.
Professional Med J Jan ;11(4):394-9.

To determine the effectiveness of I/V immunoglobulins for prophylaxis against sepsis in preterm newborn. Design of study: Prospective study Setting: Department of Pediatrics at Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Period: From October 1999 to August 2001. Material & Methods: Seventy newborns of either sex, weighing 1000 gms to 2000 gms (mean 1450 gms) with gestational age 28 to 35 weeks (mean 31 weeks) were included and assigned into 2 groups (35 babies in each group). On alternate basis one group (study group) was given I/V immunoglobulins 500 mg/kg on day 1,3 and 10 and the other was not (control group). The serum level of Immunoglobulins was not determined. Results: Maternal and neonatal risk factors for infection did not differ between the two groups. There was a significant difference in development of sepsis (both culture positive and negative) as well as mortality in the study group as compared to control group. The drug was well tolerated without any significant adverse reactions. Conclusion: It is recommended to give intravenous immunoglobulins to preterm babies, for prophylaxis against infections especially in high risk group.

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